Shota Imanaga shelled by Chicago White Sox lineup, exits start after less than 3 innings with 3 home runs allowed

Chicago Cubs star left-hander Shota Imanaga, a notable omission from the Samurai Japan team for this World Baseball Classic, took the mound as the starter in today's spring training game but was hit hard by the White Sox batters. His outing lasted just 2.2 innings, during which he gave up 3 home runs, recording 1 strikeout, 3 earned runs, and no walks.

Following a scoreless start in his previous exhibition game, Imanaga unexpectedly encountered problems in his second start. With one out in the top of the first inning, a misplaced pitch was launched over the outfield wall for a home run, marking Imanaga's first runs allowed this spring. He then retired the next two batters to end the inning.

In the top of the second inning, Imanaga was hit again with two outs. This time, a low, inside slider-cutter that was not a mistake pitch was taken deep, flying over the left-field fence. Imanaga allowed two hits in the inning, conceding another run.

Facing the first batter in the top of the third inning, Imanaga threw an 85 mph (approximately 136.8 km/h) splitter low and away, which was also hit for a home run, his third allowed in the game. He then retired the next two batters but was pulled from the game as his pitch count approached 50.

In the end, Shota Imanaga was removed after pitching only 2.2 innings. He threw 47 pitches, allowed 4 hits (including 3 homers), and gave up 3 runs, raising his post-game ERA to 5.79.

The 32-year-old Imanaga joined the Cubs in 2024 to begin his MLB career. In his debut season, he impressively won 15 games, posting a 2.91 ERA and striking out 174 batters, earning an All-Star selection. Last season, he made 25 appearances, finishing with a 9-8 record and a 3.73 ERA. Over 144.2 innings, he allowed 31 home runs and 62 earned runs, while recording 117 strikeouts. His opponents' batting average was .218 with a WHIP of 0.99, indicating some decline in performance.

Shota Imanaga was a member of Team Japan in the previous 2023 World Baseball Classic. In the championship game against the United States, he started and pitched 2 innings, allowing 4 hits and just 1 run while striking out 4 batters. Japan ultimately defeated the U.S. 3-2 to claim the title, with Imanaga earning the win.